Closure Assembly

ABSTRACT

A closure including a base, a cutter and a cap is described which is configured to be attached to a container. Upon initial removal of the cap from the base, the cutter is configured to move downwards relative to the base so as to create an opening through the container. The portion of the container through which the cutter creates an opening may be formed of a film that is configured to be easily pierceable by the cutter. Methods of molding the closure components may include co-molding the cutter and base an in integral unit so as to facilitate and expedite assembly of the base, cutter and cap components to form the closure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/859,654, filed Apr. 27, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/698,348, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,676,261, filedSep. 7, 2017, priority from which is hereby claimed and each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a three piece closure for acontainer. The closure is formed generally of a base, cutter and cap.The closure is configured such that upon initial removal of the cap fromthe base, the cutter is driven downwards relative to the base so as toform an opening through a portion of the container to which to closureis attached.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment a closure assembly for a container includes a base.The base includes a mounting portion and a neck portion centered andextending about a vertical axis. A thread is formed about an exteriorsurface of the neck.

A track is formed along an interior surface of the neck. The track isdefined by the lower end of a vertical guide that extends generallyperpendicularly downwards from an upper portion of the neck and an uppersurface of a bottom guide that extends below at least a portion of thelower end of the vertical guide.

The closure assembly further includes a cutter having a cylindricalbody. A cutting element extends downwards from a lower end of thecylindrical body. A downwardly angled rib extends about an outer surfaceof the cutter. A fin extends radially inwards from an inner surface ofthe cylindrical body.

The closure assembly further includes a cap having a top panel and askirt extending downwards from an outer periphery of the top panel. Thecap also includes a thread configured to interact with the thread of thebase to sealingly attach the cap to the base and a drive tab extendingdownwards from a lower surface of the top panel.

In an assembled, pre-initial opening configuration of the closureassembly, the cutter is located within the neck portion of the base suchthe bottommost surface of the cutting element is located above alowermost portion of the neck portion and the cap is sealingly attachedto the base by an engagement of the thread of the cap with the thread ofthe base.

Upon initial removal of the cap from the base, rotation of the caprelative to the base results in the engagement of the drive tab with thefin, causing the cutter to be rotated relative to the base. The rotationof the cutter relative to the base results in the rib entering into andtraveling downwards along the track as the cap is rotated relative tothe base. The downward rotational movement of the cutter relative to thebase causes the cutting element to move to a position in which thebottommost surface of the cutting element extends below the lowermostportion of the cap.

In some embodiments, in the assembled, pre-initial opening configurationof the closure, a bottommost surface of the rib of the cutter may restsupon the upper surface of the bottom guide. Also, in the assembled,pre-initial opening configuration of the closure, an end engagementsurface of the rib may be located adjacent a first vertically extendingend surface of the vertical guide.

In some embodiments, the track may further be defined by a helical guideextending along a downward angle from a second vertically extending endsurface of the vertical guide, such that the track is defined between alower end of the helical guide and the upper surface of the bottomguide.

In some embodiments, the fins of the cutter may be configured to deflectin a radially outwards direction when the cap attached to the base.

In some embodiments, the rotation of the cap upon initial removal of thecap may cause rotation of the cutter in the same direction as thedirection of the rotation of the cap.

In some embodiments, the base may further include a retaining structurelocated about the lowermost portion of the interior surface of the neckportion configured to engage a bottommost surface of the rib to preventremoval of the cutter through a bottom opening defining the lowermostportion of the neck portion.

In one embodiment, a closure assembly for a container incudes a basehaving a mounting portion and a neck portion centered and extendingabout a vertical axis.

A first guide element extends generally perpendicularly downwards alongthe interior surface of the neck from an upper portion of the neck. Thefirst guide has a width as measured in an angular direction that definesa first distance.

A second guide element extends along the interior surface of the neck.At least a portion of the second guide is located below a lowermostsurface of the first guide. A track is defined between the first guideelement and the second guide element.

The closure assembly further includes a cutter having a cylindricalbody. One or more cutting elements extend downwards from a lower end ofthe cylindrical body. One or more fins extend radially inwards from aninner surface of the cylindrical body. Two or more downwardly angledribs extend about an outer surface of the cylindrical body.

The first end of a first rib is spaced apart a second distance asmeasured in an angular direction from a second end of a second riblocated adjacent the first rib. The first distance is substantially thesame as the second distance.

In an assembled configuration of the cutter and base, the cutter ispositioned within the neck of the base such that the first guide elementis positioned in the space defined between the first end of the firstrib and the second end of the second rib.

The first and second guide elements are arranged to define the tracksuch that upon rotation of the cutter relative to the base, the cutteris moved rotationally downwards relative to the base as the ribs of thecutter travel along the track.

In some embodiments, the closure assembly may include one or morefrangible attachments initially connecting the base to the cutter. Theone or more frangible attachments extend between an upper portion of theneck portion of the base and a lower portion of the cylindrical body ofthe cutter. The attachments may be arranged between the base and thecutter to define a first base and cutter configuration in which theportion of the cutter defining the space between the first end of thefirst rib and the second end of the second rib extends directly abovethe portion of the base about which the first guide is formed.

In some embodiments, following breaking of the attachments, thebottommost surfaces of ribs may be configured to rest on top of theuppermost surface of the second guide element in a second base andcutter configuration. The transition from the first configuration to thesecond configuration of the base and cutter may be effectuated by onlyan axial movement of the cutter relative to the base, without requiringany rotation of the cutter relative to the base.

In some embodiments, the closure assembly may include a cap having a toppanel, a skirt extending from an outer periphery of the top panel, and athread extending about an interior surface of the skirt. The transitionfrom the first configuration to the second configuration of the base andcutter may cause by the attachment of the cap to the base. Theattachment of the cap to the base may be achieved by threading thethread of the cap onto a thread extending about an outer surface of theneck portion of the base.

In one embodiment, a method of assembling a closure for a containerincludes providing a base having a mounting portion, a neck portioncentered and extending about a vertical axis, and a thread formed aboutan exterior surface of the neck. A guide element is formed about aninner surface of the neck portion.

The method of assembling the closure further includes providing a caphaving a top panel, a skirt having a thread formed on an inner surface,and one or more drive tabs extending horizontally downwards from a lowersurface of the top panel.

The method of assembling the closure further includes providing a cutterattached to and integral with the base. The cutter includes acylindrical body and one or more frangible bridges attached between thecylindrical body of the cutter and the neck portion of the base. Acutting element extending downwards from a lower end of the cylindricalbody.

One or more catches extend radially inwards from an inner surface of thecylindrical body and are configured to interact with the one or moredrive tabs to cause rotation of the cutter. Two or more cams extendabout an outer surface of the cutter, and are configured to engage withthe guide element of the base to move the cutter from an assembledconfiguration to a piercing configuration in which the bottommostsurface of the cutting element extends below a lowermost portion of theneck portion.

The method of assembling the closure further includes attaching the capto the base to seal the base by engaging the thread of the cap with thethread of the base. The step of attaching the cap is defined by aninitial movement of the cap relative to the base in a purely axialdirection and a second subsequent movement of the cap relative to thebase in a combined rotational and axial direction.

The downwards movement of the cap relative to the base causes thebreakage of the one or more frangible bridges attaching the cutter andthe base and also results in the movement of one or both of the cutterand the base relative to one another such that following the attachmentof the cap to the base, the cap, the base, and the cutter are arrangedin an assembled configuration in which the cutter is positioned radiallyinwards within the base and the cap is sealingly engaged with the neckportion of the base.

In some embodiments, the method of assembling the closure may furtherinclude attaching the assembled closure to a container along a portionof the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the movement of one orboth of the cutter and the base relative to one another to position thecutter within the base may occurs without any rotation of the cutterrelative to the base, and involves only movement in an axial direction.

In some embodiments, the step of unscrewing the cap from the base afterthe assembled closured has been attached to the container may cause adownwards rotational movement of the cutter relative to the base thatcreates an opening the container.

In one embodiment, a closure for a container includes a base having asealing rim having a first side, a second side and an opening extendingfrom the first to the second side. A membrane is sealed to the secondside to cover the opening.

A cylindrical neck is formed about a longitudinal axis and extends fromthe first side of the sealing rim. The neck includes an interior surfacesurrounding the opening and a track formed on the interior surface. Thetrack is defined by a first elongated guide element formed substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis on the interior surface. The elongatedguide element has a tip portion extending at an angle between 5 and 45degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.

A curved guide element is formed between the tip and the membrane. Thecurved guide element has a surface facing the tip that extends atsubstantially the same angle as the tip relative to the longitudinalaxis. A neck thread extends about an exterior surface of the cylindricalneck.

The closure further includes a cutter having a cylindrical body and acutting element extending downwards from a lower end of the cylindricalbody. A downwardly angled rib extends about an outer surface of thecutter and a fin extends radially inwards from an inner surface of thecylindrical body.

The closure further includes a cap having a top panel, a skirt extendingdownwards from an outer periphery of the top panel, and a threadconfigured to interact with the neck thread to sealingly attach the capto the neck. A drive tab extends downwards from a lower surface of thetop panel.

When the cap is sealed to the neck the cutter is located within the neckof the base such the bottommost surface of the cutting element islocated above the membrane. Upon removal of the cap from the neck,rotation of the cap relative to the neck results in the engagement ofthe drive tab with the fin, causing the cutter to be rotated relative tothe base. The rotation of the cutter relative to the base results in therib entering into the track to move the cutter into engagement with themembrane to cut the membrane as the cap is rotated.

In one embodiment, a closure assembly includes a spout portionintegrally molded with a cutter portion. The spout portion has first andsecond ends and a cylindrical wall extending between said first andsecond ends. The cutter portion has a cutter blade disposed at one end.The cutter portion is frangibly connected to the spout portion bybreakable elements. The cutter blade is received within a space definedby the cylindrical wall of the spout portion and between the first andsecond ends.

The spout portion may optionally include a flange defining an apertureand the cylindrical wall may optionally surround the aperture and extendaway from the flange. The cutter blade may optionally be located betweenthe aperture and an end of the cylindrical wall remote from the flange.

The cutter portion may optionally be frangibly connected to the spoutportion at an end of the cylindrical wall remote from the flange.

An end of the cutter portion remote from the cutter blade may optionallyextend away from the spout portion and the breakable elements by whichthe cutter portion is frangibly connected to the spout portion and mayoptionally be adapted to break upon the application of a force appliedto the end of the cutter portion remote from the cutter blade in adirection towards the spout portion.

Upon application of a force to the cutter portion in a direction towardsthe spout portion and following the breaking of the breakable elementsby which the cutter portion is frangibly connected to the spout portion,the cutter portion may optionally be adapted to be received within thespout portion and to move to an assembled position.

Prior to the breaking of the breakable means, the end of the cutterportion remote from the cutter blade may optionally extend away from thespout portion by a distance equal to that travelled by the cutterportion in moving to the assembled position.

The cutter portion may optionally include an annular wall and bedisposed coaxially with respect to the cylindrical wall with an end ofthe annular wall remote from the cutter blade extending axially awayfrom the cylindrical wall. The breakable elements by which the cutterportion is frangibly connected to the spout portion may optionally beadapted to break upon the application of an axial force applied to saidend of the annular wall remote from the cutter blade in a directiontowards the spout portion. Following the breaking of the breakableelements, the cutter portion may optionally be adapted to be coaxiallyreceived within the spout portion and to move to an assembled position.

The end of the annular wall remote from the cutter blade may optionallyterminate in a generally flat surface lying in a plane generallytransverse, if not orthogonal, to the direction of an applied axialforce.

An inner surface of the cylindrical wall may optionally be keyed to anouter surface of the annular wall so as to inhibit relative rotation ofthe cutter portion and spout portion as the cutter portion is moved tothe assembled position.

An inner surface of the cylindrical wall may optionally be provided withtwo or more formations that project radially inwardly and the annularwall of the cutter portion may optionally be sized so as to be slidinglyreceived between the radially inwardly projecting formations.

An outer surface of the annular wall may optionally be provided with twoor more formations that project radially outwardly and the inner surfaceof the cylindrical wall may optionally be sized so as to slidinglyreceive the annular wall and the radially outwardly projectingformations.

The cutter portion and spout portion may optionally be aligned such thatthe radially inwardly projecting formations on the inner surface of thecylindrical wall are circumferentially interposed between the radiallyoutwardly projecting formations on the outer surface of the annularwall.

The cutter portion and spout portion may optionally be aligned suchthat, following the breaking of the breakable means, the radiallyinwardly projecting formations on the inner surface of the cylindricalwall pass between the radially outwardly projecting formations on theouter surface of the annular wall as the cutter portion moves to theassembled position.

The cutter portion and spout portion may optionally be aligned suchthat, upon axial application of the cutter portion to the spout portion,the formations on the cutter portion do not confrontingly engage theformations on the spout portion before the cutter portion reaches theassembled position.

A stop may optionally be provided on one of the inner surface of thecylindrical wall and the outer surface of the annular wall that engageswith a formation provided on the other of the inner surface of thecylindrical wall and the outer surface of the annular wall when thecutter portion is in the assembled position.

The radially outwardly projecting formations provided on the outersurface of the annular wall may optionally include a threadconfiguration.

The radially inwardly projecting formations provided on the innersurface of the cylindrical wall may optionally be axially aligned withchannels defined by radially projecting end surfaces ofcircumferentially adjacent elements of the thread configuration providedon the outer surface of the annular wall.

At a position beyond that reached by the radially outwardly projectingformations provided on the outer surface of the annular wall as thecutter portion moves to the assembled position, the inner surface of thecylindrical wall may optionally be provided with two or more additionalformations that comprise a thread configuration complementary to thatprovided on the outer surface of the annular wall.

The cutter portion and spout portion may optionally be aligned suchthat, upon axial application of the cutter portion to the spout portionand the cutter portion moving to the assembled position, the threadconfiguration on the outer surface of the annular wall is rotationallyand axially aligned with a start of the complementary threadconfiguration provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall.

A recloseable cap to selectively close the spout portion when the cutterportion is in the assembled position may optionally be provided. Therecloseable cap may optionally have a thread configuration for threadedengagement with a complementary thread configuration provided on thespout portion such that, to disengage the respective threadconfigurations and open the spout portion, the recloseable cap mayoptionally be rotated with respect to the spout portion.

Drive elements may optionally be provided between the recloseable capand the cutter portion such that, on first rotating the recloseable capwith respect to the spout portion, the cutter portion is rotated tothreadingly engage the thread configuration on the outer surface of theannular wall with the complementary thread configuration provided on theinner surface of the cylindrical wall.

In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a closure assembly mayinclude the steps of providing a spout portion having first and secondends and a cylindrical wall extending between said first and secondends; providing a cutter portion having a cutter blade disposed at oneend; disposing the cutter portion with respect to the spout portion suchthat the cutter blade is received within a space defined by thecylindrical wall of the spout portion and between said first and secondends; and integrally molding the spout portion and the cutter portionwith the cutter portion frangibly connected to the spout portion bybreakable elements.

An end of the cutter portion remote from the cutter blade may optionallyextend away from the spout portion, and the method may optionallyinclude the further step of: applying a force to the end of the cutterportion remote from the cutter blade in a direction towards the spoutportion to break the breakable elements by which the cutter portion isfrangibly connected to the spout portion.

Upon application of a force to the cutter portion in a direction towardsthe spout portion and following the breaking of the breakable elementsby which the cutter portion is frangibly connected to the spout portion,the method may optionally include the further step of: moving the cutterportion to an assembled position in which the cutter portion is receivedwithin the spout portion.

The cutter portion may optionally include an annular wall and mayoptionally be disposed coaxially with respect to the cylindrical wall,and the method may optionally include the further steps of providing aninner surface of the cylindrical wall with two or more formations thatproject radially inwardly, the annular wall of the cutter portionoptionally being sized so as to be capable of being slidingly receivedbetween the radially inwardly projecting formations; providing an outersurface of the annular wall with two or more formations that projectradially outwardly, the inner surface of the cylindrical wall optionallybeing sized so as to capable of slidingly receiving the annular wall andthe radially outwardly projecting formations; and aligning the cutterportion and the spout portion such that, following the breaking of thebreakable elements, the radially inwardly projecting formations on theinner surface of the cylindrical wall pass between the radiallyoutwardly projecting formations on the outer surface of the annular wallas the cutter portion moves to the assembled position.

The method may optionally include the further steps of: providing arecloseable cap to selectively close the spout portion when the cutterportion is in the assembled position, the recloseable cap having athread configuration for threaded engagement with a complementary threadconfiguration provided on the spout portion; and applying therecloseable cap to the spout portion.

The recloseable cap may optionally be applied to the spout portion byrelative rotational movement between the recloseable cap and the spoutportion such that the thread configuration on the recloseable capengages the complementary thread configuration provided on the spoutportion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This application will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements inwhich:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a closure assembly in a pre-initialopening configuration attached to a container according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the closure assembly in apre-initial opening configuration immediately prior to attachment of theclosure assembly to a container according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1C is a bottom perspective view of a closure assembly in apre-initial opening configuration formed with a membrane according toone embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the base and cutter of the closure of FIG. 1Afollowing initial opening of the closure according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a side view of the base of the closure of FIG. 1A accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a top perspective view of the base of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a bottom perspective view of the base of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3E is a top view of the base of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3F is a bottom view of the base of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a side view of the cutter of the closure of FIG. 1A accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the cutter of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a top perspective view of the cutter of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is a bottom perspective view of the cutter of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4E is a top view of the cutter of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4F is a bottom view of the cutter of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective view of the cap of the closure of FIG.1A according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the cutter and base of the closure ofFIG. 1A in a co-molded arrangement according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a is a side view of the cutter and a cross-sectional view ofthe base of the co-molded arrangement of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a bottom perspective view illustrating the application of thecap to the base during assembly of the closure of FIG. 1A according toone embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view illustrating the initial removal ofthe cap from the base during initial removal of the cap from the closureof FIG. 1A according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a side view of a base according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a top perspective view of the base of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8D is a bottom perspective view of the base of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8E is a top view of the base of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8F is a bottom view of the base of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of a flip-top cap according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of the flip-top cap of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a side cross-sectional view of the flip-top cap of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9D is a top view of the flip-top cap of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9E is a bottom view of the flip-top cap of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a base according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view of the base of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is a side view of the base of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10E is a bottom view of the base of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10F is a top view of the base of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of a cutter according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 11B is a bottom perspective view of the cutter of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a side view of the cutter of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional view of the cutter of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11E is a top view of the cutter of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11F is a bottom view of the cutter of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a bottom perspective view of a cap according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 10A and thecutter of FIG. 11A in a co-molded arrangement according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 10A and thecutter of FIG. 11A in a co-molded arrangement according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 14A is a top perspective view of the cutter of FIG. 11A arrangedwithin the base of FIG. 10A according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the cutter and base arrangement ofFIG. 14A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Shown in FIG. 1A is one embodiment of a three-piece closure assembly 100in an initial, pre-opening configuration attached to a container 200.The closure assembly 100 comprises a base 10 having a mounting portion11 configured to be applied/attached to a container 200 to secure theclosure assembly 100 to the container 200. Located circumferentiallyinwards from the neck 12 of the base 10 is a cutter 20. A cap 30 is alsoprovided which is configured to provide a fluid tight seal with the neck12 of the base 10 when the cap 30 is sealingly engaged with the base 10.

Illustrated in FIG. 1B is one embodiment of a closure assembly 100 in apre-opening configuration, immediately prior to the closure assembly 100being attached to a container 200. As illustrated by FIG. 1B, in theinitial, pre-opening configuration of the closure assembly 100 thelowermost portion of the cutter 20 is located above a lowermostperiphery of the base 10 extending about the flow channel 13 defined bythe neck 12, such that the lowermost portion of the cutter 20 is alsolocated above the membrane 80 and/or other structure that initiallycovers the portion of the container 200 through which the contents ofthe container 200 will be accessed following initial removal of the cap30 from the base 10. By having the cutting elements 21 located above alowermost portion of the base 10 and within the interior of the neck 12of the base 10 prior to the initial removal of the cap 30 from the base10, such as, e.g. illustrated in FIG. 1B, damage to the cutting elements21 as well as unintentional piercing of the membrane may be prevented.

In some embodiments, the portion of the container 200 over which theclosure assembly 100, and in particular the cutter 20, is located may beformed from the same material as the remainder of the container 200. Insome embodiments, the portion of the container 200 positioned underneaththe base 10, and in particular the cutter 20, may be configured toand/or made out of a material configured to allow for easier cutting,piercing, etc. by the cutter 20. For example, this portion of thecontainer 200 through which the contents will be accessed followingopening of the closure 100 may: be formed having a smaller thicknessthan the remainder of the container 200; include a scored or otherwiseweakened portion; or, as e.g. illustrated by the embodiment of FIG. 1B,may be formed of a membrane 80 of different material (e.g. foil, film,etc.) than the rest of the container 200, etc. In some embodiments, thebase 10 and/or base 10 and cutter 20 may be molded integrally with thecontainer 200, such that the base 10 and/or base 10 and cutter 20 andcontainer 200 are formed as a monolithic assembly.

As illustrated in FIG. 1C, in some embodiments, the portion of thecontainer 200 through which the contents of the container 200 will beaccessed following initial removal of the cap 30 from the base 10 mayinitially be sealed by a membrane 80 such as a foil or thin plastic filmthat is formed with or sealed to the bottom of the mounting portion 11.With this configuration, the closure assembly 100 is manufactured withthe membrane 80. The closure assembly 100 is sealed over an opening inthe container 200 through which the contents of the container 200 areinserted prior to gluing or heat sealing of the mounting portion 11 tothe container 200. In this arrangement, a portion of membrane 80 may besealed or captured between the surface of the associated container 200and the bottom of mounting portion 11.

As discussed above, and as shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIGS.1B and 1C, in various embodiments the portion of the container 200through which the contents of the container 200 will be accessedfollowing initial removal of the cap 30 from the base 10 may initiallybe sealed by any one of, or any combination of a portion of the wall ofthe container 200, a membrane 80 attached to the container 200 (such as,e.g. illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1B) and/or a membrane 80attached to the mounting portion 11 of the base 10 (such as, e.g.illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1C). In embodiments in which amembrane 80 is attached to the mounting portion 11, the membrane 80 maybe attached to the base 10 at any point during assembly of the closureassembly 100.

Referring to FIG. 2 , one embodiment of a post-initial openingconfiguration of the cutter 20 and base 10 are illustrated. As describedin detail below, upon initial removal of the cap 30 from the base 10,the cutter 20 is forced downwards relative to the base 10 such that thecutting elements 21 of the cutter puncture, pierce, cut, or otherwisepenetrate a portion of the container, such as, e.g. membrane 80 to whichthe closure assembly 100 is attached and/or the membrane 80 extendingalong the lower surface of mounting portion 11 to provide a fluidpassageway through which the contents of the container can be accessedby a user. The cutter 20 remains in this downwardly displacedpost-initial opening configuration depicted in FIG. 2 relative to thebase 10 during subsequent reapplication and/or removal of the cap 30from the base 10.

Shown in FIGS. 3A-3F is one embodiment of a base 10 of closure assembly100. Base 10 generally comprises a neck 12 and a mounting portion 11extending radially outwards from a lowermost portion of the neck 12. Themounting portion 11 is configured to provide an attachment surface alongwhich the closure assembly 100 may be attached via a fluid-tight,hermetic seal to a container. In some embodiments, the mounting portion11 may be provided with an adhesive to secure the base 10 to thecontainer. In other embodiments, the mounting portion 11 may beconfigured to be welded to a container. In yet other embodiments, anyother number or combination of other securement elements and/or mountingarrangements may be utilized to attach the base 10 to the container.

The closure assembly 100 can be attached to the container along any oneof the top surface, the bottom surface, and/or both the top and bottomsurfaces of the mounting portion 11. Although the mounting portion 11 isillustrated as comprising a substantially planar surface that extendssubstantially perpendicular to the neck 12, in other embodiments themounting portion 11 may extend at a non-90° angle relative to alongitudinal axis about which the neck 12 is centered and/or themounting portion 11 may extend along and be defined by surfaces that arenot entirely co-planar.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the neck 12 of base 10 is defined at an upper endby an opening 14 that provides access to a flow channel 13 extendingthough the neck 12. Located about the exterior of the neck 12 is athread 15 configured to interact with a corresponding thread 31 formedon the cap 30. Optionally provided about the outer surface at the lowerportion of the neck 12 may be a tamper-evidencing engagement structure16 that is configured to interact with a tamper band 32 formed on thecap 30 so as to indicate to a user that the cap 30 has been previouslyremoved from the closure assembly 100. As illustrated in FIG. 3C,located about an upper surface of mounting portion 11 may optionally beone or more ribs 18 configured to prevent the tamper band 32 from tiringoff upon removal of the cap 30 from the base 10.

Located about an innermost surface of the neck 12 at the lowermost endof the neck 12 are one or more radially inwardly extending retentionelements, such as annular bead 17. Annular bead 17 has a diameter thatis smaller than an outermost diameter of the ribs 23 formed on theexterior of the cutter 20, such that the cutter 20 is prevented fromaccidentally or unintentionally being removed through the bottom of thebase 10. Although not shown, the base 10 may include similar one or moreretention beads located about an innermost surface of the neck 12 at theuppermost end of the neck 12 to prevent accidental or unintentionalremoval of the cutter 20 through the opening 14 of neck 12.

Formed about and extending radially inwards from the inner surface ofneck 12 are a plurality of guide elements 40 configured to guide thecutter 20 downwards upon initial removal of the cap 30 from the base 10.As shown in FIG. 3B, in one embodiment the guide elements 40 maycomprise one or more locator guides 41, one or more helical guides 42,and/or one or more bottom guides 43 that are positioned on and extendradially inwards from the inner surface of the neck 12 of base 10. Insome embodiments, such as e.g. illustrated in FIG. 3B, the helical guide42 may be attached to and extend downwardly from a lower portion oflocator guide 41. In some embodiments, the locator guide 41 and thehelical guide 42 may be formed as discrete elements on the interior ofthe neck 12.

In some embodiments, the angle α1 of the lowermost surfaces of locatorguide 41 and/or helical guide 42 relative to the horizontal axis and theangle α2 of the uppermost portion of the downward angled portion ofbottom guide 43 relative to the horizontal axis may be substantially thesame. In other embodiments, these angles may be different, with theangle α1 of the lowermost surfaces of the locator guide 41 and/orhelical guide 42 being greater or less than the angle α2 of the uppermost portion of the downward angled portion of the bottom guide 43.

The angle α3 of the track 44 my correspond to the angle α1 of thelowermost surfaces of locator guide 41 and/or helical guide 42 relativeto the horizontal axis, the angle α2 of the uppermost portion of thedownward angled portion of bottom guide 43 relative to the horizontalaxis, and/or an angle in between the angle α1 of the lowermost surfacesof locator guide 41 and/or helical guide 42 relative to the horizontalaxis and the angle α2 of the uppermost portion of the downward angledportion of bottom guide 43 relative to the horizontal axis.

In one embodiment, the angle α1 of the lowermost surfaces of locatorguide 41 and/or helical guide 42 relative to the horizontal axis isapproximately 0° and 70°, more specifically between approximately 15°and 55°, and in particular approximately between 20° and 50°. In oneembodiment, the angle α2 of the uppermost portion of the downward angledportion of bottom guide 43 relative to the horizontal axis isapproximately 5° and 60°, more specifically between approximately 10°and 45°, and in particular between approximately 15° and 35°. In oneembodiment, the angle α3 of the track 44 relative to the horizontal axisis approximately 5° and 45°, more specifically between approximately 10°and 40°, and in particular between approximately 25° and 35°.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a portion of the bottom surface of the helicalguide 42 and/or locator guide 41 and a portion of the upper surface ofthe downwardly angled portion of the bottom guide 43 define a track 44.In embodiments such as, e.g. that of FIG. 3B, where the helical guide 42and locator guide 41 are formed as a single element, the track 44 may bedefined between the upper surface of the downwardly angled portion ofthe bottom guide 43 and the bottom surface of the helical guide 42. Insome embodiments where the helical guide 42 and the locator guide 41 areformed as discrete elements, the track 44 may be defined between theupper surface of the downwardly angled portion of the bottom guide 43and the bottom surface of the locator guide 41.

In some embodiments, the angle α1 of the track 44 as measured relativeto the horizontal axis is approximately 10° and 40°, more specificallybetween approximately 15° and 25°, and in particular approximately 20°

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4F, various views of a cutter 20 according to oneembodiment are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 4A, the upper portion ofcutter 20 is defined by a cylindrical body 28 that is defined at itslower end by a bottom rim 22. Formed from and extending downwards fromor about at least a portion of the periphery of the bottom rim 22 areone or more cutting elements 21. The cutting elements 21 are configuredto create an opening into the container upon initial removal of the cap30 from the base 10.

In some embodiments, the cutting elements 21 are arranged such that thecutting elements 21 do not extend about the entirety of the periphery ofthe bottom rim 22, such that a portion of the container remains uncutfollowing initial removal of the cap 30, so as to prevent the cutportion of the container from being entirely separated from and fallinginto the interior of the container. In one embodiment, such as e.g.shown in FIGS. 4A-4F, the cutting element 21 may comprise a first set 21a and a second set 21 b of cutting elements 21.

In the embodiment of cutter 20 of FIGS. 4A-4F, each of the first set 21a and second set 21 b of cutting elements 21 may be formed having aunitary, monolithic, serrated blade surface formed of a series ofinterconnected teeth 29. In some embodiments, such as e.g. theembodiment of the cutter 20 illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4F, the tips of eachof the teeth 29 lie along the same plane and extend an equal distancedownwards relative to the bottom rim 22 of the cutting element 21.

As shown in FIG. 4F, in one embodiment the angular lengths of the firstset 21 a and second set 21 b of cutting elements 21 differ. Inparticular, in one embodiment, the length of the first set 21 a asmeasured in a circumferential direction may be less than the length ofthe second set 21 b as also measured in a circumferential direction. Insuch a configuration, the first set 21 a may act as the leading cuttingelement 21 and the second set 21 b may act as the lagging cuttingelement 21. During initial removal of the cap 30, as the cutter 20 ismoved downward in a counterclockwise direction, the lagging second set21 b of the cutting element 21 may be configured to radially pushoutwards the portion of the container cut/perforated by the leadingfirst set 21 a of cutting elements 21, so as to prevent the cut portionof the container from occluding the opening in the container formed bythe cutter 20.

Referring to FIG. 4E, in one embodiment, when viewed from the top, theangular distance A between the ends of the first set 21 a is betweenapproximately 35° and 55°, and more specifically approximately 45°. Theangular distance B between the ends of the second set 21 b is betweenapproximately 105° and 120°, and more specifically approximately 112.5°.As viewed from the top, such as in FIG. 4E, an angular distance C isdefined between the clockwise facing end of the first set 21 a and thecounterclockwise facing end of the second set 21 b is betweenapproximately 60° and 75°, and more specifically approximately 67.5°.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4F, the cutter 20 is configured to berotated between approximately 90° and 130°, more specifically betweenapproximately 100° and 120°, and in particular approximately 110° uponinitial removal of the cap 30 from the base 10. As a result of thisrotation, the cutter 20 is configured to create a generally circularopening through the container, with between approximately 280° and 320°,more specifically between approximately 290° and 310°, and in particularapproximately 300° of the outer circumference of the opening beingdetached from the remainder of the container following removal of thecap 30 from the closure assembly 100. The remaining betweenapproximately 40° and 80°, more specifically between approximately 50°and 70°, and in particular approximately 60° of the outer circumferenceof the opening formed in the container remains uncut and attached to thecontainer.

It is to be understood that in other embodiments, the cutting element 21may be formed from any number of sets of cutting elements 21 having anynumber of configurations. For example, the cutting element may be formedhaving any number of blade-like elements, with the lengths, sizes,shapes, and other characteristics of the each of the blade-like elementsand/or the teeth 29 forming the blade-like elements being the same ofdifferent form the other blade-like elements and/or teeth 29 forming thecutting element 21.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, located along an exterior surface of the body28 of cutter 20 are one or more radially outwardly extending ribs 23.The ribs 23 extend along a portion of the exterior surface of the body28 of the cutter 20 located between the top of the cutter 20 and thebottom rim 22. The portion of the exterior surface of body 28 of thecutter 20 extending radially between adjacent ribs 23 defines a keyway24. The ribs 23 extend at a non-zero degree angle relative to thehorizontal axis. In one embodiment, such as that of FIGS. 4A-4F, theribs 23 extend downward relative to the horizontal axis at an angle α4between approximately 5° and 60°, more specifically betweenapproximately 10° and 50°, and in particular approximately 15° and 35°.

In various embodiments, the cutter 20 may be formed with any number ofribs 23. In one embodiment, the cutter 20 may be formed with three ormore ribs 23 to increase the stability of the movement of the cutter 20during rotation of the cutter 20 relative to the base 20 by preventingthe ribs 23 from being cocked and jammed within the neck 12 of the base10 during rotation of the cutter relative to the base 10, as well as toprovide a more secure, smooth and reliable movement of the cutter 20 inthe rotationally downward direction during the initial removal of thecap 30 from the base 10.

In various embodiments, the angle α4 of the ribs 23 may generallycorresponds to any one of: the angle α3 of the track 44, the angle α1 ofthe lowermost surfaces of locator guide 41 and/or helical guide 42relative to the horizontal axis, the angle α2 of the uppermost portionof the downward angled portion of bottom guide 43 relative to thehorizontal axis, and/or an angle in between the angle α1 of thelowermost surfaces of locator guide 41 and/or helical guide 42 relativeto the horizontal axis and the angle α3 of the uppermost portion of thedownward angled portion of bottom guide 43 relative to the horizontalaxis.

In some embodiments, the bottom end surface 25 of each rib 23 may definea stop surface that is configured to interact with the retentionelement, such as e.g. annular bead 17, that may be provided along thebottom of the interior surface of the neck 12 of base 10. Similarly, insome embodiments, the top end surface of each rib 23 may define a stopsurface configured to interact with a retention element that may beprovided along the inner surface of 12 at a location about the opening14 of the neck 12.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4E and 4F, extending radially inwards from theinterior surface of the cutter 20 are one or more fins 26. In someembodiments the fins 26 may be generally rigid, while in otherembodiments the fins 26 may be generally resilient and/or elastic. Thefins 26 extend inwards from the inner surface of the body 28 of cutter20 at an angle. When viewed from the top, such as illustrated in FIG.4E, each fin 26 defines a counter-clockwise facing surface 26 a and aclockwise facing surface 26 b. An engagement surface 27 is defined bythe intersection of the clockwise facing surface 26 b of the fins 26with the inner surface of the body 28 of the cutter 20.

Turning to FIGS. 5A and 5B, one embodiment of a cap 30 is illustrated.Cap generally comprises a top panel 34 and a skirt 33 extendinggenerally perpendicularly downwards from an outer periphery of the toppanel 34. In some embodiments, the cap 30 may be provided with a tamperevidencing feature, such as a tamper band 32, which extends downwardsfrom a lower portion of the skirt 33.

Located along an inner surface of the skirt 33 of the cap 30 is a thread31 configured for engaging the corresponding thread 15 formed on theneck 12 of base 10. Optionally provided on a lower surface of the toppanel 34 are one or more sealing elements 36 configured to engage theopening 14 of neck 12 to provide a fluid-tight seal when the cap 30 issealingly attached to the base 10.

Extending vertically downwards from a bottom surface of the top panel 34in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis are one ormore drive tabs 35. In some embodiments, the tabs 35 may be generallyflexible and elastic, while in other embodiments the tabs 35 may begenerally rigid. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in some embodiments, theclockwise facing ends of the tabs 35 may define a beveled surface 35 a.

In some embodiments, such as, e.g. the embodiment of cap 30 of FIGS. 5Aand 5B, the drive tabs 35 are generally arranged and extend along acircular periphery located radially inwards from the inner surface ofskirt 33. In other embodiments, the tabs 35 may extend downwards fromthe top panel 34 along a direction angled at a non-90° angle withrespect to the inner surface of the skirt 33. In some embodiments, thetabs 35 may also be spaced and arranged about the top panel 34 in anon-circular manner.

Operation of the closure assembly 100 according to one embodiment isdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 7B. As illustrated in theembodiment of closure assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the initial,assembled configuration of closure assembly 100 (i.e. prior to initialremoval of the cap 30 from the base 10), the cap 30 is attached to base10 via engagement of the thread 31 of cap 30 to the corresponding thread15 of base 10 to provide a fluid tight seal of the flow channel 13.

As shown in FIG. 1B, in this initial, assembled configuration, thecutter 20 is located within the neck 12 of base 10, with the ribs 23 ofcutter 20 resting atop the upper surfaces 43 of the bottom guides 43.This interaction of the ribs 23 with the upper surfaces 43 of the bottomguides 43 prevents the cutter from moving downwards relative to the base10 prior to the initial removal of the cap 30. In the initial assembledconfiguration, the bottommost portion of cutter 20 and cutting elements21 do not extend downwards past the bottommost portion of the neck 12.

During initial opening of a container assembly sealed by closureassembly 100, the cap 30 is rotated in a counterclockwise directionrelative to base 10 to remove the cap 30. As the cap 30 is rotated inthe counterclockwise direction, the thread 31 of the cap 30 movesupwards along the thread 15 of the base 10, causing the cap 30 to movein an upwards direction relative to the base 10. As the cap 30 movesupwards relative to the base 10, the tamper band 32 (if included)engages the tamper-evidencing structure 16 of the base, causing thetamper band 32 to break, so as to indicate to a user that the containersealed by the closure assembly 100 has been opened.

Referring to FIG. 7B, as the cap 30 is rotated in a counterclockwisedirection relative to base 10, the tabs 35 of the cap 30 are moved intothe spaces defined between the inner surface of the body 28 of thecutter 20 and the clockwise facing surfaces 26 b of fins 26. As the cap30 continues to be rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the tabs35 come into engagement with the engagement surfaces 27 defined by thefins 26 and the inner surface of the body 28 of the cutter 20. Thisinteraction between tabs 35 and the fins 26 causes the counterclockwiserotational movement of the cap 30 to be transmitted to the cutter 20.

As a result of the rotational force of the cap 30 being transmitted tothe cutter 20 via the engagement of the tabs 35 and fins 26, the cutter20 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to base 10. Thiscounterclockwise rotation of the cutter 20 results in the ribs 23 of thecutter 20 being moved along the bottom guide 43 and into the track 44defined between the upper surface of the downward angled portion ofbottom guide 43 and the lower surface of the helical guide 42. Once theribs 23 have entered into the track 44, the continued rotation of thecap 30 results in the downward rotational movement of the cutter 20relative to the base 10 at an angle defined generally by the angle ofthe track 44.

As the cutter 20 moves downwards, the teeth 29 of the blade forming thecutting element 21 are brought into engagement with and pierce throughthe portion of the container. Following the initial piercing/puncturingof the container upon the initial engagement of the cutting element 21with the container, the continued downward rotational movement of thecutter 20 causes the cutting element 21 to create a larger circularopening in the container that provides access to the contents of thecontainer.

The cutter 20 continues to rotate and move downwards in response to theinitial counterclockwise movement of the cap 30 until the bottom endsurfaces 25 of ribs 23 reach the annular bead 17 formed about the lowerend of the opening 14 of the base 10, at which point the smallerdiameter of the annular bead 17 relative to the outer diameter of theribs 23 prevents further downwards movement of the cutter 20 relative tothe base 10.

Referring to FIG. 3B, once cutter 20 has been rotated such that thebottom end surfaces of the ribs 23 are in engagement with the annularbead 17, upward axial movement of the cutter 20 relative to the base 10is prevented by the configuration of the radially inwardly extendingguide elements 40. Accordingly, following the initial travel of thecutter 20 to the post-initial opening configuration illustrated in FIG.2 , the cutter 20 remains stationary (both axially and rotationally)relative to the base 10 during subsequent application and removal of thecap 30 to the base 10 during subsequent closing and opening of thecontainer.

In the embodiment of closure assembly 100 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 7 , themovement of the cutter into the post-initial assembled configurationresults in an opening being created in the container defined by a cutextending approximately 300° about the opening. As noted previously, theextent to which the container is cut can be configured by varying, amongother features, the arrangement, number, spacing, etc. of the cuttingelements 21. Additionally, the configuration of the cutter ribs 23and/or the guide elements 40 of base 30 (e.g. length, pitch, etc.) canbe configured to limit the degree of rotation of the cutter 20 as thecutter is moved downward in an axial direction, and in turn the degreeto which a cut will be formed in the container during initial removal ofthe cap 30.

The base 10, cutter 20, and cap 30 portions of the closure assembly 100can be assembled in any number of ways to form the pre-initial openingassembled configuration of closure assembly 100, such as e.g.illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In some embodiments, the base 10, cutter20 and cap 30 can be molded or otherwise formed and provided asseparate, individual components that are subsequently assembled togetherto form the pre-initial opening configuration of closure assembly 100.In other embodiments, any combination of the base 10, cutter 20, and cap30 can be formed or molded as integral and/or monolithic structures,which are subsequently separated and assembled to form closure assembly100.

As shown, e.g. by the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, in someembodiments base 10 and cutter 20 may be molded as a single, unitary andoptionally monolithic piece. In this molded base 10/cutter 20configuration shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, one or more frangible bridges 50initially connect a portion of cutter 20 (such as, e.g. along bottom rim22) to a portion of base 10. Although in the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and6B the lower portion of cutter 20 is shown as being molded above andattached to an upper portion of base 10, in other embodiments an upperportion of cutter 20 can be molded below and attached to a lower portionof base 10. In other embodiments, cutter 20 can be molded radiallyinwards and partially or entirely within base, and cutter 20 and base 10can be attached via frangible bridges 50 along the top, bottom, and/ortop and bottom portions of base 10 and/or cutter 20.

By molding the base 10 and cutter 20 as a single unit, such as shown,e.g. in the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, production costs and timeinvolved in forming and assembling the base 10 and cutter 20 can beminimized. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the base 10 and cutter20 are molded such that the cutting element 21 is located above thelowermost portion of the opening 14 of the base 10, such as e.g.illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, damage to the cutting element 21 thatmay occur during assembly of the cutter 20 into the base 10 may beminimized or prevented. Specifically, in such embodiments, the cuttingelements 21 are located within the neck 12 of the base 10, and arethereby protected from damage that may otherwise occur in the eventthat, e.g. forces are applied to the top of the cutter 20 and/or bottomof the base 10 (such as, e.g. during assembly of the closure assembly100.

As illustrated, e.g. by the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, in someembodiments where the cutter 20 and base 10 are molded as a single unit,the cutter 20 and base 10 may be formed such that cutter 20 is molded ina position relative to the base 10 that corresponds to a relativealignment of the base 10 and cutter 20 in the pre-initial openingconfiguration of the closure assembly 100. In such a manner, theassembly of the cutter 20 and base 10 may require only an axial movement(and no rotational movement) of the base 10 relative to the cutter 20,or vice versa.

For example, referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the cutter20 and base 10 may be molded such that the one or more keyways 24extending between adjacent ribs 23 of the cutter 20 are positioneddirectly above the one or more locator guides 41 formed on the innersurface of the neck 12 of base 10. Such an embodiment may allow forminimization of closure assembly 100 assembly time, as once theintegrally molded cutter 20/base 10 assembly is ready to be assembled,all that is required is to provide an axial force sufficient to breakthe frangible bridges 50 between the cutter 20 and base 10 so as toproperly position the cutter 20 within base 10. Once frangible bridges50 have been broken, the alignment of the keyways 24 over the locatorguides 43 allow the cutter 20 to be moved vertically downwards relativeto base 10. Moreover, in addition to assisting in the alignment of thecutter 20 relative to the base 10 prior to assembly, the locator guides43 are also configured to guide the cutter 20 axially downwards andprevent rotation of the cutter 20 during assembly of the cutter 20 intothe base 10.

Furthermore, in embodiments such as e.g. that shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B,where there is no annular bead formed about the upper, inner surface ofthe neck 122, once the frangible bridges 50 have been broken, noadditional force is required to position cutter 20 within base 10, asthere is no mechanical interference that would prevent the axiallydownward movement of the cutter 20 relative to the base 10 As there isno need to push/snap the ribs 23 past any smaller diameter structures inorder to position cutter 20 within base 10, assembling the cutter 20within base 10 can be accomplished without encountering any resistanceto the vertically downward movement of the cutter 20 relative to thebase 10.

In embodiments in which the base 10 and cutter 20 are integrally moldedand the cutter 20 is not molded within the base 10 (i.e. the cutter 20extends above or below the base 10 in the molded configuration), theassembly of the cutter 20 into the base 10 may occur before, during orafter assembly of the cap 30 onto the base 10. Additionally, theassembly of the cutter 20 into the base 10 may result from the downwardsmovement of the cutter 20 relative to the base 10, the base upwardsrelative to the cutter 20, and/or the movement of both the cutter 20 andbase 10 relative to one another.

Referring again to the cutter 20 and base 10 embodiment of FIGS. 6A and6B, in some embodiments, the cutter 20 may be pushed into base 10 priorto application of the cap 30 to the base 10 during assembly of closureassembly 100. Alternatively or additionally, the cutter 20 may be pushedinto base 10 to assemble closure assembly 100 as a result of theapplication of the cap 30 to the base 10 during assembly of closureassembly 100.

Specifically, following molding of the monolithic cutter 20 and base 10assembly illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, cap 30 may positioned over thetop end of cutter 20 to complete the assembly of the closure assembly100. The cap 30 is moved downwards relative to the base 10, either bypushing the cap 30 downwards or by raising the base 10 upwards. As aresult of the downward movement of the cap 30 relative to the base 10,the lower surface of the top panel 34 of the cap 30 comes into contactwith the upper end of cutter 20, following which further downwardmovement of the cap 30 causes the frangible bridges 50 between cutter 20and base 10 to break. As the cap 30 continues to move downward followingthe breaking of the bridges 50, the continued downwards movement of thecap 30 relative to base 10 causes the cutter 20 to be moved with the cap30 in a downwards direction relative to the base 10.

Once the cap 30 has moved sufficiently downwards relative to the base 10such that the thread 31 of the cap 30 engages the thread 15 of the base10, the cap 30 is then screwed onto the base 10 (either by rotation ofthe cap 30 relative the base 10, rotation of the base 10 relative to thecap 30 or both) to complete the assembly of the closure assembly 100.The upper surface of bottom guide 43 may act as a stop which engageswith the ribs 23 to allow the cutter 20 to be properly aligned at adesired axial position upon assembly of the cutter 20 and base 10elements.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, because of the elastic and/or resilientnature of the fins 26, as the cap 30 is screwed onto neck 12 of base 10,the drive tabs 35 are able to deflect and click over the fins 26,allowing the cap 30 to be rotated relative to the base 10 withoutcausing a resultant rotation of the cutter 20 relative to the base 10during this assembly step.

In some embodiments, as an alternative to and/or in addition to the fins26 being resilient and flexible, the tabs 35 of the cap 30 may beflexible and elastic. In such embodiments, upon initial application ofthe cap 30 onto the neck 12 of the base 10, the tabs 35 are configuredto deflect inwardly as the tabs 35 come into contact with the fins 26,allowing the tabs 35 to deflect and move over the fins 26 of the cutter20 such that the cutter 20 remains stationary as the cap 30 is rotatedrelative to the base 10 during threading of the cap 30 onto the base 10.Upon passing over the fins 26, the tabs 35 generate an audible click asthe radially inwardly deflected tabs 35 return to their initial,unstressed, generally perpendicularly downwardly extendingconfiguration.

In order to further improve the ease with which the drive tabs 35 of thecap 30 may pass over fins 26 during initial application of the cap 30onto the base 10 during assembly, the leading clockwise facing ends ofdrive tabs 35 may include a beveled surface 35 a, as shown e.g. by theembodiment of cap 30 shown in FIG. 5A to allow the tabs 35 to moreeasily deflect and pass over fins 26 during assembly of closure assembly100.

Because the drive tabs 35 of the cap 30 are able to deflect and passover the fins 26 of cutter 20, the cap 30 does not need to be orientedor indexed prior to screwing the cap 30 to the base 10 during assemblyof the closure assembly 100. This ability to screw cap 30 onto base 10without indexing or orienting the cap 30 allows for easier, morereliable and faster assembly of the closure assembly 100 as compared tothree-piece closures in which either the cap has to be indexed/orientedprior to assembly (adding to the time and cost of assembling closures)or in which the threaded cap is pushed or snapped onto the threaded baseto apply the closure (which does not allow for a robust engagementbetween the cap and base once the closure is assembled).

Thus, the ability to assemble closure assembly 100 by screwing cap 30onto base 10 without indexing or orienting the cap 30 beforehandprovides for a robust engagement between the cap 30 and base 10 that canbe quickly and easily effectuated. Moreover, the ability to apply to cap30 without indexing or orienting also allows the cap 30 to be appliedusing a high-speed rotary assembler, which further decreases the timeand costs associated with assembling closure assembly 100.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8F, another embodiment of a base 10 that may beused to form closure assembly 100 is illustrated. As shown by FIGS.8A-8F, the embodiment of base 10 of FIGS. 8A-8F share many similarfeatures to the embodiment of base 10 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3F.However, in contrast to the embodiment of base 10 of FIGS. 3A-3F, theguide elements 40 of the embodiment of base 10 of FIGS. 8A-8F are formedwithout a helical guide 42. Such an embodiment of base 10 as illustratedin FIGS. 8A-8F may be useful, e.g. where minimizing the materials usedto form the base 10 may be desired for both weight and/or costminimization considerations.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9E, in some embodiments, cap 30 may be formedas a flip-top cap 30′. As shown in FIG. 9A, the top panel 34 of cap 30′may be formed about an opening 37 that extends from a top surface to abottom surface of the top panel 34. Attached about a portion of theouter periphery of the cap 30′ is a hinged cover 38 that is configuredto fluidly seal the opening 37 when the cover 38 is in a closedposition. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the opening 37 mayinitially be closed by a removable element, such as e.g. a ringpull-tab, foil, etc. that is removed prior to initial opening of thecontainer.

Because the opening 37 of the flip-top cap 30′ of FIGS. 9A-9E isconfigured to provide access to the contents of the container withoutrequiring removal of the cap 30′ from the closure, the flip-top cap 30′of FIGS. 9A-9E and the corresponding neck 12′ of the base 10′ (notshown) to which the flip-top cap 30′ is to be attached may be formedwithout threads 15, 31. Instead, as illustrated e.g. by the flip-top cap30′ embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9E, the cap 30′ may be formed with aretention member, such as e.g. annular bead 39, that is configured tosnap-over, or otherwise engage a corresponding structure of the base 10′(not shown) to prevent the cap 30′ from being removed from the base 10′once the cap 30′ and base 10′ are assembled.

Besides the difference in how the cap 30′ is applied to the base 10′(e.g. a snap fit as compared to e.g. to the threaded base 10 and cap 30of the embodiment of FIG. 1A) and that it may not be necessary for thetabs 35′ of cap 30′ to deflect over the fins 26′ of cutter 20′ duringassembly of the closure assembly 100′, in embodiments of closureassembly 100′ incorporating a flip-top cap 30′, the closure assembly100′ is assembled in a manner substantially the same as any such methodsof assembling closure assembly 100 described with respect to embodimentsof closure assembly 100 incorporating a threaded cap 30 and base 10design.

Similarly, the general operation of a closure assembly 100′incorporating a flip-top cap 30′ to effectuatepiercing/puncturing/cutting of a container to which the closure assembly100′ is attached is similar to the operation of a closure assembly 100incorporating a threaded cap 30 and base 10 design as e.g. describedpreviously with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 . Specifically, similar to theoperation of threaded cap 30 and base 10 closure assembly 100embodiments described previously, counterclockwise rotation of theflip-top cap 30′ relative to the base 10′ results in the tabs 35′ of cap30′ engaging the fins 26 of cutter 20, causing the cutter 20 to betranslated rotationally downwards to create an opening in the container.

Because conventional flip-top closures (i.e. formed without a cutter20′) do not typically require a user to rotate the flip-top closure withrespect to the container in order to access the contents of thecontainer, writing and/or symbols may be provided about the flip-top cap30′ to instruct the user to rotate the flip-top cap 30′ relative to thebase 10′ to effectuate the initial formation of the opening into thecontainer to allow for access to the container contents. As illustratedin FIG. 9A, in one embodiment, the instructions may be provided in theform of markings 60 located about a portion of the top panel 34′ of cap30′.

Once the flip-top cap 30′ has been initially rotated relative to thebase 10′ so as to effectuate the creation of an opening into thecontainer, it may be desired to prevent or minimize any subsequentrotation of the flip-top cap 30′ relative to the base 10′. Accordingly,in some embodiments of a closure assembly 100′ having a flip-top 30′such as e.g. illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9E, the cap 30′ may be providedwith one or more lugs 70 extending radially inwards from the innersurface of the skirt 33′. The lugs 70 may be configured to engage withone or more abutment or stop features (not shown) formed about the neck12′ of the base 10′ such that following the initial rotation of the cap30′ to effectuate the creation of an opening in the container, furtherrotation of the cap 30′ relative to the base 10′ is prevented.

Illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10F is another embodiment of a base 110 thatmay be used to form closure assembly 100. The embodiment of base 110shown in FIGS. 10A-10E is similar to the embodiment of base shown inFIGS. 3A-3F. However, instead of the radially inwardly extending guideelements 40 formed on the inner surface of the neck 12 of the base 10 ofFIGS. 3A-3F, the guide elements 140 of base 110 may compromise one ormore downwardly angled helical grooves 145 formed within and extendinginto the neck 112 of the base 110. Located along the grooves 145 andextending radially inwards from the inner surface of the neck 112defining grooves 145 are on or more abutment element 146.

Shown in FIGS. 11A-11F is one embodiment of a cutter 120 that may, e.g.be used with a base 110 embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10F toform closure assembly 100. Similar to the cutter 20 embodiment asillustrated in FIGS. 4A-4F, the cutter 120 of FIGS. 11A-11F may comprisea first set 121 a and a second set 121 b of cutting elements 121. Thecutter 120 may also comprise one or more outwardly extending ribs 123formed about the outer surface of the body 128 of the cutter 120.Additionally, one or more fins 126 extend radially inwards from theinner surface of the body 128 of cutter 120.

However, as compared to the cutter 20 embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4F, theheight of the body 128 of the cutter 120 of the embodiment of FIGS.11A-11F is shorter, as are the ribs 123 that are formed about theexterior surface of the body 128 of the cutter 120 as compared to theribs 23 of cutter 20.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, one embodiment of a cap 130 is shown.The cap 130 of the embodiment of FIGS. 12A and 12B is similar to the cap30 embodiment discussed with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B, expect thearrangement of the drive tabs 135 of cap 130 is varied from that of thecap 30 of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

In one embodiment, the base 110 of FIGS. 10A-10F, the cutter 120 ofFIGS. 11A-11F and the cap 130 of FIGS. 12A and 12B may be used togetherto form closure assembly 100. The resultant closure assembly 100operates in a manner substantially similar to the closure described withreference, e.g. to FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 above, with the primary differencein the closure embodiment 100 formed having base 110, cutter 120 and cap130 being in the engagement of the ribs 123 of the cutter 120 with theguide elements 140 of base 110 during initial opening of the closureassembly 100.

Specifically, the lengths of the ribs 123 of the cutter 120 generallycorrespond to and are preferably no longer than the upper portion 147 ofthe helical grooves 145 extending between the abutment element 146 andthe upper end of each groove 145 formed in the base 110 embodiment ofFIGS. 10A-10F. Upon assembly of the closure assembly 100, the ribs 123of the cutter 120 are positioned within these upper portions 147 of thegrooves 145 of base 110.

The abutment elements 146 prevent the cutter 120 from inadvertentlybeing moved downwards relative to the base 110 prior to initial removalof the cap 130 from the base 110. Upon initial removal of the cap 130,the rotational removal of the cap 130 from the base 110 providessufficient force for the ribs 123 to overcome the engagement with theabutment elements 146, and the ribs 123 are guided rotationallydownwards within the lower portions 148 of the grooves as the cap 130continues to move rotationally upwards along the threads 115 of base110.

Illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B are two embodiments of moldingarrangements that may be used to form the base 110 and cutter 120. Asillustrated in FIG. 13A, in one embodiment the cutter 120 may be moldedand attached above the base 110, with frangible bridges 150 connecting alower portion of the cutter 120 to an upper portion of the base 110.Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 13B, in other embodiments thecutter 120 may be molded and attached below the base 110, with frangiblebridges 150 connecting an upper portion of the cutter 120 to a lowerportion of the base 110. Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, once the cutter120/base 110 assembly has been molded, the cutter 120 is positionedwithin base 110 in an arrangement as illustrated e.g. in FIGS. 14A and14B.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the inner diameter of the neck 112of the base 110 is slightly smaller than the outermost diameter of theribs 123 of the cutter 120. Additionally, located about the bottom ofneck 117 is an annular bead 117 also having a diameter that is smallerthan the outermost diameter of the ribs 123. Accordingly, in addition torequiring force to break the frangible bridges 150 connecting the base110 and cutter 120, force is also required to push or snap the ribs 123past the smaller diameter portions of the base 110 and into engagementwith the upper portions 147 of the grooves 145 formed within the wall ofneck 112 as illustrated, e.g. in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

In some embodiments of a co-molded base/cutter assembly, e.g. the moldedarrangement illustrated in FIG. 13A, the positioning of the cutter 120within base 110 may be accomplished prior to or after attachment of thecap 130 to the base 110. In other embodiments, such as, e.g. the moldedarrangement of FIG. 13A, positioning of the cutter 120 within the base110 may be effectuated by and occur during the step of attaching the cap130 to the base 110, with the downward movement of the cap 130 relativeto the base 110 during attachment of the cap 130 being used to break thefrangible bridges 150 and push ribs 123 into engagement with the upperportions 147 of the grooves 145 formed within the wall of neck 112.

Positioning of the cutter 120 within base 110 for the molded arrangementillustrated in FIG. 13B may be accomplished in manners similar to thosedescribed with reference to FIG. 13A. Specifically, in some embodiments,positioning of the cutter 120 within the base 110 for the moldedarrangement of FIG. 13B may occur prior to or after attachment of thecap 130 to the base 110.

In other embodiments, positioning of the cutter 120 within the base 110for the molded arrangement of FIG. 13B may be effectuated by and occurduring the step of attaching the cap 130 to the base 110. In oneembodiment, the cap 130 may be moved downwards relative to the base 110to attach the cap 130 to base 110. As the cap 130 moves downward andengages the upper surface of the base 130, the downward force impartedby the cap 130 onto the base 110 may provide a force sufficient to breakthe frangible bridges 150 and push ribs 123 past the annular bead 117and past the smaller diameter portion of the neck 112 and intoengagement with the upper portions 147 of the grooves formed within thewall of neck 112.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in thevarious exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only afew embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Someelements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwisevaried, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions maybe altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes andomissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing fromthe scope of the present invention.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” or “attached to”means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additionalintermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary bodywith one another or with the two members or the two members and anyadditional member being attached to one another. Such joining may bepermanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable innature.

In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, includingangles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actualmeasurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, anglesand proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplaryembodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relativedimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from theFigures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one ormore relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from theFigures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in thisdescription can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measuredin the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out inthis description. It should also be understood that the terminology isfor the purpose of description only and should not be regarded aslimiting.

While the current application recites particular combinations offeatures in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of theinvention relate to any combination of any of the features describedherein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and anysuch combination of features may be claimed in this or futureapplications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of theexemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or incombination with any of the features, elements, or components of any ofthe other embodiments discussed above in the implementation of theteachings of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A closure for a container, the closurecomprising: a base comprising: a mounting portion; a neck portioncentered and extending about a vertical axis; a thread formed about anexterior surface of the neck; and a guide element formed about an innersurface of the neck portion; a cutter comprising: a cylindrical body; acutting element extending downwards from a lower end of the cylindricalbody; a downwardly angled rib extending about an outer surface of thecutter; and a fin extending radially inwards from an inner surface ofthe cylindrical body; a cap comprising: a top panel; a skirt extendingdownwards from an outer periphery of the top panel; a thread configuredto interact with the thread of the base to attach the cap to the base;and a drive tab extending downwards from a lower surface of the toppanel; wherein in an assembled, pre-initial opening configuration of theclosure, the cutter is located within the neck portion of the base sucha bottommost surface of the cutting element is located above a lowermostportion of the neck portion and the cap is attached to the base by anengagement of the thread of the cap with the thread of the base; whereinupon initial removal of the cap from the base, rotation of the caprelative to the base results in the engagement of the drive tab with thefin, causing the cutter to be rotated relative to the base; the rotationof the cutter relative to the base resulting in the rib entering intoand traveling along the guide element as the cap is rotated relative tothe base, with downward rotational movement of the cutter relative tothe base causing the cutting element to move to a position in which thebottommost surface of the cutting element extends below the lowermostportion of the cap.
 2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the tabs of thecap are configured to deflect in a radially inwards direction when thecap is attached to the base.
 3. The closure of claim 1, wherein therotation of the cap upon initial removal of the cap causes rotation ofthe cutter in the same direction as the direction of the rotation of thecap.
 4. The closure of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises aretaining structure located about the lowermost portion of the innersurface of the neck portion.
 5. The closure of claim 4, wherein theretaining structure is configured to engage a bottommost surface of therib to prevent removal of the cutter through a bottom opening definingthe lowermost portion of the neck portion.
 6. A closure assembly for acontainer comprising: a base comprising: a mounting portion; a neckportion centered and extending about a vertical axis; a guide elementformed about an inner surface of the neck portion; and a cuttercomprising: a cylindrical body; one or more cutting elements extendingdownwards from a lower end of the cylindrical body; one or more finsextending radially inwards from an inner surface of the cylindricalbody; and two or more downwardly angled ribs extending about an outersurface of the cylindrical body; wherein a first end of a first rib isspaced apart a distance as measured in an angular direction from asecond end of a second rib located adjacent the first rib; wherein in anassembled configuration of the cutter and base, the cutter is positionedwithin the neck of the base such that the guide element is positioned inthe space defined between the first end of the first rib and the secondend of the second rib; and the guide element being arranged such thatupon rotation of the cutter relative to the base, the cutter is movedrotationally downwards relative to the base as the ribs of the cuttertravel along the guide element.
 7. The closure assembly of claim 6,further comprising one or more frangible attachments initiallyconnecting the base to the cutter; the one or more frangible attachmentsextending between an upper portion of the neck portion of the base and alower portion of the cylindrical body of the cutter; wherein theattachments are arranged between the base and the cutter to define afirst base and cutter configuration in which the portion of the cutterdefining the space between the first end of the first rib and the secondend of the second rib extends directly above the portion of the baseabout which the first guide is formed.
 8. The closure assembly of claim7, wherein the base and cutter are configured such that the transitionfrom the first configuration to a second configuration of the base andcutter may be effectuated by only an axial movement of the cutterrelative to the base, without requiring any rotation of the cutterrelative to the base.
 9. The closure assembly of claim 8, furthercomprising a cap having a top panel, a skirt extending from an outerperiphery of the top panel, and a thread extending about an interiorsurface of the skirt.
 10. The closure assembly of claim 9, wherein thetransition from the first configuration to the second configuration ofthe base and cutter is caused by the attachment of the cap to the base.11. The closure assembly of claim 10, wherein the attachment of the capto the base is achieved by threading the thread of the cap onto a threadextending about an outer surface of the neck portion of the base.
 12. Amethod of assembling a closure for a container comprising: providing abase comprising: a mounting portion; a neck portion centered andextending about a vertical axis; and a thread formed about an exteriorsurface of the neck; providing a cap comprising: a top panel; a skirthaving a thread formed on an inner surface; and one or more drive tabsextending horizontally downwards from a lower surface of the top panel;providing a cutter attached to and integral with the base, the cuttercomprising: a cylindrical body; one or more frangible bridges attachedbetween the cylindrical body of the cutter and the neck portion of thebase; a cutting element extending downwards from a lower end of thecylindrical body; one or more catches extending radially inwards from aninner surface of the cylindrical body configured to interact with theone or more drive tabs to cause rotation of the cutter; and two or morecams extending about an outer surface of the cutter, the cams configuredto engage with the base to move the cutter from an assembledconfiguration to a piercing configuration in which a bottommost surfaceof the cutting element extends below a lowermost portion of the neckportion; and attaching the cap to the base to seal the base by engagingthe thread of the cap with the thread of the base, wherein the step ofattaching the cap is defined by an initial movement of the cap relativeto the base in a purely axial direction and a second subsequent movementof the cap relative to the base in a combined rotational and axialdirection; wherein the downwards movement of the cap relative to thebase causes the breakage of the one or more frangible bridges attachingthe cutter and the base and also results in the movement of one or bothof the cutter and the base relative to one another such that followingthe attachment of the cap to the base, the cap, the base, and the cutterare arranged in an assembled configuration in which the cutter ispositioned radially inwards within the base and the cap is engaged withthe neck portion of the base.
 13. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising attaching the assembled closure to a container along aportion of the mounting portion.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein themovement of one or both of the cutter and the base relative to oneanother to position the cutter within the base occurs without anyrotation of the cutter relative to the base, and involves only movementin an axial direction.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprisingthe step of unscrewing the cap from the base after the assembledclosured has been attached to the container, wherein unscrewing the capcauses a downwards rotational movement of the cutter relative to thebase that creates an opening the container.
 16. A closure for acontainer, the closure comprising: a base comprising: a sealing rimhaving a first side, a second side and an opening extending from thefirst to the second side; a membrane sealed to the second side to coverthe opening; a cylindrical neck formed about a longitudinal axis andextending from the first side of the sealing rim, the neck including aninterior surface surrounding the opening and a track formed on theinterior surface, the track defined by a first elongated guide elementformed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis on the interiorsurface, the first elongated guide element having a tip portionextending at an angle between 5 and 45 degrees relative to thelongitudinal axis; and a curved guide element formed between the tip andthe membrane, the curved guide element having a surface facing the tipand extending at substantially the same angle as the tip relative to thelongitudinal axis; a cutter comprising: a cylindrical body; a cuttingelement extending downwards from a lower end of the cylindrical body; adownwardly angled rib extending about an outer surface of the cutter;and a fin extending radially inwards from an inner surface of thecylindrical body; and a cap comprising: a top panel; a skirt extendingdownwards from an outer periphery of the top panel; a cap threadconfigured to interact with the base to attach the cap to the base; anda drive tab extending downwards from a lower surface of the top panel;wherein when the cap is sealed to the neck the cutter is located withinthe neck of the base such a bottommost surface of the cutting element islocated above the membrane; wherein upon removal of the cap from theneck, rotation of the cap relative to the neck results in the engagementof the drive tab with the fin, causing the cutter to be rotated relativeto the base; the rotation of the cutter relative to the base resultingin the rib entering into the track to move the cutter into engagementwith the membrane to cut the membrane as the cap is rotated.